debt consolidation

American

[det kuhn-sol-i-dey-shuhn] / ˈdɛt kən sɒl ɪˌdeɪ ʃən /

noun

Finance.

the combining of several smaller loans into a single new loan in order to obtain better terms, as a lower interest rate.

Etymology

Origin of debt consolidation

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

WSJ | Buy Side: A debt consolidation loan can help you streamline credit cards and other high-interest debt, but access to the lowest-rate debt consolidation loans often requires a higher credit score.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 2, 2026

“Personal loans can make sense for structured debt consolidation or a short-term need with a clear payoff plan,” Um said.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 26, 2026

“SoFi marketing shifts from debt consolidation to smart upfront financing.”

From Barron's • Jan. 12, 2026

With a debt consolidation loan, you’ll only owe one lender instead of multiple.

From Slate • Feb. 5, 2024

If you carry credit card debt, explore debt consolidation loans or balance transfers with low introductory rates.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 30, 2022

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023